Ultimate Guide to Industrial Surge Protection Devices

As the name implies, industrial surge protection devices (SPDs) are essential components for a great range of industrial and power transmission settings. These devices protect electrical systems against power surges and transient voltage events-damaging sensitive electronic equipment and leading to costly downtime and repairs. With the increase in automation and connectivity in industrial systems, the need for effective surge protection has never been more critical. This guide explores everything you need to know about industrial surge protection devices.

Contents hide

1 Industrial Surge Protection Devices: A Brief Introduction

2 Industrial Surge Protection Devices: The Importance

3 Different Types of Industrial Surge Protection Devices

4 Key Selection Considerations

5 Installation and Maintenance Requirements for Industrial Surge Protection Devices

6 The Bottom Lines

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Industrial Surge Protection Devices: A Brief Introduction

Industrial surge protection devices, often termed transient voltage surge suppressors (TVSS), are designed to protect electrical systems and electronic equipment from voltage spikes (sudden and brief increases in voltage or current). They also safeguard against transients and other electrical disturbances, causing equipment failure, data loss, or downtime. However, they work on a simple principle of limiting or blocking the amount of voltage passing through them. It involves either diverting excess voltage to a grounding system or temporarily storing the excess voltage in a capacitor and then releasing it gradually. Additionally, they protect machinery in industrial and commercial settings where electrical equipment is critical to operations.

Industrial Surge Protection Devices: The Importance

Bespoke devices are indispensable for industrial electrical and electronic equipment as they are susceptible to power surges and transients that can cause significant damage to them, thus disrupting operations. These disturbances can occur due to lightning strikes, utility switching, and other events. SPDs are necessary because they help protect both electric and electronic equipment and systems from these disturbances. Thus, ensuring uninterrupted operations and workers’ safety and preventing costly downtime, hazards, and repairs.

Different Types of Industrial Surge Protection Devices

There are several industrial surge protection devices, where the required type depends on the application and the protected equipment. Some common types of industrial surge protection devices include:

Surge Suppressors

These power strips are devices that suppress voltage spikes and transients by clamping the excess voltage to a safe level using a metal oxide varistor (MOV), an electrical component that absorbs high voltage spikes.

Transient Voltage Suppressors

These devices limit the voltage to a safe level, protecting sensitive equipment from damage by providing a low-impedance path to the ground during high voltage spikes.

Surge Arresters

Like transient voltage suppressors (TVS), surge arrestors divert the excess voltage to the ground, protecting the electronic and electrical equipment from voltage surges and transients.

Key Selection Considerations

When selecting industrial SPDs, several factors must be considered to ensure effective, reliable performance and proper protection of your equipment. These factors include:

Voltage Rating: Surge protection devices are rated by the maximum voltage they can handle. It is essential to choose a device with a voltage rating exceeding the system’s maximum voltage.
Surge Current Rating: This is the maximum current the device can handle without failing. Select a device with a surge current rating that is sufficient for your system.
Clamping Voltage: Clamping voltage is the voltage level at which the surge protection device starts to suppress the surge. Choose a device with a low clamping voltage to ensure maximum protection.
Response Time: Response time refers to the time the surge protection device takes to respond to a voltage spike. Choosing a device with a fast response time is best to ensure your equipment is protected.
Cost: The cost of an SPD is an important consideration; however, choosing a low-cost SPD without providing adequate protection can lead to more significant costs in the long run due to equipment damage and downtime.

Installation and Maintenance Requirements for Industrial Surge Protection Devices

A qualified electrician should install industrial SPDs, and the installation should conform to relevant codes and standards. The devices should also be regularly maintained to ensure they are functioning correctly. Regular maintenance includes testing the devices to ensure they are still providing protection and replacing them when damaged or failed.

The Bottom Lines

Industrial Surge Protection Devices protect electrical systems and equipment from voltage surges, spikes, transients, and other disturbances. Ensure selecting the right device for your applications for better application optimization. Additionally, choosing the right device for your application and ensuring proper installation and maintenance can prevent costly downtime and repairs and ensure uninterrupted operations in industrial settings.